Okay, this has the longest title of the year. So from here on in we will refer to it as "Seeking."
Seeking is a small Indy pic that for me had more than a few things going against it as I walked in. It stars Steve Carell, and Kiera Knightley, both of whom I am not a gigantic fan of over all. But Seeking shows you what can be done when you have a good story, and the right people behind the camera who generally turn out to be way more important than those in front of it. Seeking is a very nice surprise and a real nice movie.
It takes place in modern day New York. There is a 7 mile wide asteroid headed towards Earth and nothing can be done to stop it. So basically this is a comedy, drama pic about what people would do if they knew the end was near. Meet Dodge (Carell.) He is a terribly boring insurance salesman whose wife has just left him, and his life has essentially been wasted at about 40 years old. He meets Penny (Knightley) a 28 year-old, older souled British girl who lives in the apartment below Dodge. They meet with about 2 weeks to go before doomsday. Both of them are lost people who find themselves alone as the end of days approaches.
They decide to be unselfish and try to get each other to the place each individually want to be when the world ends. But as it turns out, with each other is where they need to be. How will this all play out, and will the end of days really mean the end? That's Seeking.
This is a strange story to be sure, and despite a few draggy parts I really liked this little movie. This turns out to be a highly romantic movie that is very emotional. Carell can be so good when coached right and presented with a worthy project. This is the actor Carell, not the Jim Carrey impersonator he can turn into. Knighltey is all grown up now, and for me stole the show as the eccentric, flower child Penny. The character they wrote for her is great. Penny is so interesting, you never stop getting to know her, and that really works. A terrific contrast between our two principles and fine performances really push this along.
I love being surprised at the movies. And this is a major surprise. A wonderfully used musical soundtrack adds to this immnelsely as well. This is not a big movie, but a little one, with a simple story that is told beautifully through our two characters. This is also a movie-goers movie. This is small, simple, not loud or special effect laden, and it's a strange summer release. Seems Fall would have been more apt, I hope this does not get completely lost.
Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World. Really interesting, fun, funny, and heartfelt. Well done.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
This week, The Dewsweepers loaded up agian, and went back to a course we have mentioned before. In fact, the same course we played last weekend, Ye Old Course at Mallard Creek.
But with charter member Joe Red on vacation again this week, it was a big chance for an up and coming Dewsweeper to make his debut. Charter member Beef's son Dirk. Dirk is 23, and recent grad of Bowling Green. It was a good day for Beef, and it was a good day for me as well. I was there when Dirk was about 7, when he first hit his first golf ball on a vacation when Beef and his family came down to visit me when I lived there. Now, he finally got the call up for an appearance on the Dewsweeper tour.
Ye Old Course at Mallard again played well for scoring, much as it did last weekend. The weather conditions were absolutely perfect and that made for a great morning. Beef came storming out of the gate by posting a birdie on number 1, the short par 5. Then jammed in another birdie on the dog-leg number 7 par 4, before a dandy par on the number one handicap number 9 par 5. A big time nice 37 on the front. He totally took advantage the numerous dog legs and greens that putting well.
Tex got off to a tough start, and had a hard time recovering. Even though Tex didn't really play all that badly, his putter completely let him down, and that piled up the numbers. It's tough when the strength of your game is letting you down, just when you need it to pick you up. Tex missed a bunch of putts he makes in his sleep, and it made for a tough day. But he kept his head up, and kept swinging. And we always respect that. After all, we are out there to have fun and enjoy the company.
Speaking of stuggling on the green, Dirk's debut was a contrast of absolute "bomb" drives and bomb putts. Dirk has young discs in his back, and that leads to a real nice turn and move on the ball. And can strike the ball very well. A few 300 yard plus drives really helped. But his 39 putts on the day prevented a low number. After struggling with the short and putting game, Dirk became the "Brimless Wonder." Flipped his hat backwards and got his round going forward. He posted a birdie on the number one handicap number 9, after beign on in two. No easy feat. Then a HUGE eagle on number 18 the finishing par 5. On in two, and finally made a putt. In fact, both he and Beef had eagle putts on 18, but Beef had to settle for a tap in birdie. Would have been fun to see father-son eagles on Fathers Day.
I hit the ball well most of the day shooting a nice 40 on the front, before taking a double on the brutal number 10, a 440 yard par 4. But I birdied number 11, a short par 4. Then I had 2 bad 3 putts on the back that prevented me from breaking 40 on the back, or 80 on the day. I ended up shooting 80, with a very consistant 40 on each side. I was pleased. But 77 or so on the day was not out of the question for me or Beef.
But the day belonged to Beef. His very nice 79 on the day, and having his son debut on the tour on Fathers day. By taking a birdie on 18, he won the match, and that was a good score, especially after a bad break double on number 17 a dog leg left par 4, when his tee short nestled up next to a tree. But all was good, and it was good having Dirk (Brimless) out there with us reminding of us of our youth and extremely long drives and hips and waists that used to bend freely.
Scores
Beef - 79
Wynn - 80
Dirk - 87
Tex - 100
But with charter member Joe Red on vacation again this week, it was a big chance for an up and coming Dewsweeper to make his debut. Charter member Beef's son Dirk. Dirk is 23, and recent grad of Bowling Green. It was a good day for Beef, and it was a good day for me as well. I was there when Dirk was about 7, when he first hit his first golf ball on a vacation when Beef and his family came down to visit me when I lived there. Now, he finally got the call up for an appearance on the Dewsweeper tour.
Ye Old Course at Mallard again played well for scoring, much as it did last weekend. The weather conditions were absolutely perfect and that made for a great morning. Beef came storming out of the gate by posting a birdie on number 1, the short par 5. Then jammed in another birdie on the dog-leg number 7 par 4, before a dandy par on the number one handicap number 9 par 5. A big time nice 37 on the front. He totally took advantage the numerous dog legs and greens that putting well.
Tex got off to a tough start, and had a hard time recovering. Even though Tex didn't really play all that badly, his putter completely let him down, and that piled up the numbers. It's tough when the strength of your game is letting you down, just when you need it to pick you up. Tex missed a bunch of putts he makes in his sleep, and it made for a tough day. But he kept his head up, and kept swinging. And we always respect that. After all, we are out there to have fun and enjoy the company.
Speaking of stuggling on the green, Dirk's debut was a contrast of absolute "bomb" drives and bomb putts. Dirk has young discs in his back, and that leads to a real nice turn and move on the ball. And can strike the ball very well. A few 300 yard plus drives really helped. But his 39 putts on the day prevented a low number. After struggling with the short and putting game, Dirk became the "Brimless Wonder." Flipped his hat backwards and got his round going forward. He posted a birdie on the number one handicap number 9, after beign on in two. No easy feat. Then a HUGE eagle on number 18 the finishing par 5. On in two, and finally made a putt. In fact, both he and Beef had eagle putts on 18, but Beef had to settle for a tap in birdie. Would have been fun to see father-son eagles on Fathers Day.
I hit the ball well most of the day shooting a nice 40 on the front, before taking a double on the brutal number 10, a 440 yard par 4. But I birdied number 11, a short par 4. Then I had 2 bad 3 putts on the back that prevented me from breaking 40 on the back, or 80 on the day. I ended up shooting 80, with a very consistant 40 on each side. I was pleased. But 77 or so on the day was not out of the question for me or Beef.
But the day belonged to Beef. His very nice 79 on the day, and having his son debut on the tour on Fathers day. By taking a birdie on 18, he won the match, and that was a good score, especially after a bad break double on number 17 a dog leg left par 4, when his tee short nestled up next to a tree. But all was good, and it was good having Dirk (Brimless) out there with us reminding of us of our youth and extremely long drives and hips and waists that used to bend freely.
Scores
Beef - 79
Wynn - 80
Dirk - 87
Tex - 100
Saturday, June 23, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter
Here comes the guilty pleasure action flick of the summer, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter.
I have got to see any movie with this crazy title. And yes, it's THAT Abe Lincoln in this action, fantasy thriller from strange movie maker Tim Burton. Now before you just throw this out in the trash without seeing it, this is a movie you might want to give a chance to. This is a mixture of fiction, fantasy, some fact, action, humor, and a whole lot of creativity. Should be noted for those not historically polished, this is not a true story. And Burton isn't trying to convince you that it is.
In our flick, supposedly Lincoln kept "secret diaries" from the time he was about 11 years old about having contact with vampires, including one that killed his mother while he was a child. Abe then is filled with rage, and vows to kill that vampire. He befriends a man who also has dealings with vampires, and he tutors a young Abe in the art of vampire hunting. Abe's weapon of choice is a silver plated ax.
As this movie goes along, Abe grows up, meets his wife, Mary Todd, and becomes the political figure we all know, and effectively resigns as a vampire hunter when he becomes president. His full attention is devoted to the Civil War. Then our plot takes a turn. Who exactly is the Union fighting in the Civil War? And why is this war being fought in it's entirety? That is the backbone of our fictional story.
This is a very interesting weaving of a number of plot lines. From an historical event, with a nice fictional twist, and a hint of fantasy. This movie develops a nice sense of humor about itself, but doesn't become a parody of itself either. This movie knows it's way out there, and embraces it well. Don't be fooled either, his is a big budget flick with huge effects. The scenes near the end of the high railroad bridge fighting vampires is nothing short of amazing movie making. Really a visual feast. Many scenes far outside the action sequences look great. Wonderful techniques with highly effective shots and scenes. Much of this movie looks great, from costuming, sets, and backgrounds. Plus, if you wish you can see this in 3-D.
This movie, as silly as it may sound, does capture some of Lincolns greatness. It goes well beyond the vampire hunting, and shows Lincoln at times at his best. All of this during the darkest time in our nations history. As superficial as the title is, and the idea seems, there is much depth to the issues of the Civil War they dare to take on head first. They are not replacing history here, they are just viewing it through a fantasy prism for an entertainment only. Lincoln also delivers the Gettysburg Address at the end which is wonderfully done, and inspiring to hear on the big screen.
In short, with vampires all the rage in today's movies, it's good to see one that doesn't involve sullen young people in love or ones so violent that it's totally gratuitous. This is a vampire movie for adults. Let me go on the record, this vampire thing has been so overdone the past few years it's nauseating. But, this is so very different on so many levels it works well. Should be noted too, there is much violence in this movie. But it's Tim Burton violence if you know what I mean. It's walks the line between real violence and fantasy violence.
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. Original to say the least, and it gets big points there. The guilty pleasure thriller of this or any summer.
I have got to see any movie with this crazy title. And yes, it's THAT Abe Lincoln in this action, fantasy thriller from strange movie maker Tim Burton. Now before you just throw this out in the trash without seeing it, this is a movie you might want to give a chance to. This is a mixture of fiction, fantasy, some fact, action, humor, and a whole lot of creativity. Should be noted for those not historically polished, this is not a true story. And Burton isn't trying to convince you that it is.
In our flick, supposedly Lincoln kept "secret diaries" from the time he was about 11 years old about having contact with vampires, including one that killed his mother while he was a child. Abe then is filled with rage, and vows to kill that vampire. He befriends a man who also has dealings with vampires, and he tutors a young Abe in the art of vampire hunting. Abe's weapon of choice is a silver plated ax.
As this movie goes along, Abe grows up, meets his wife, Mary Todd, and becomes the political figure we all know, and effectively resigns as a vampire hunter when he becomes president. His full attention is devoted to the Civil War. Then our plot takes a turn. Who exactly is the Union fighting in the Civil War? And why is this war being fought in it's entirety? That is the backbone of our fictional story.
This is a very interesting weaving of a number of plot lines. From an historical event, with a nice fictional twist, and a hint of fantasy. This movie develops a nice sense of humor about itself, but doesn't become a parody of itself either. This movie knows it's way out there, and embraces it well. Don't be fooled either, his is a big budget flick with huge effects. The scenes near the end of the high railroad bridge fighting vampires is nothing short of amazing movie making. Really a visual feast. Many scenes far outside the action sequences look great. Wonderful techniques with highly effective shots and scenes. Much of this movie looks great, from costuming, sets, and backgrounds. Plus, if you wish you can see this in 3-D.
This movie, as silly as it may sound, does capture some of Lincolns greatness. It goes well beyond the vampire hunting, and shows Lincoln at times at his best. All of this during the darkest time in our nations history. As superficial as the title is, and the idea seems, there is much depth to the issues of the Civil War they dare to take on head first. They are not replacing history here, they are just viewing it through a fantasy prism for an entertainment only. Lincoln also delivers the Gettysburg Address at the end which is wonderfully done, and inspiring to hear on the big screen.
In short, with vampires all the rage in today's movies, it's good to see one that doesn't involve sullen young people in love or ones so violent that it's totally gratuitous. This is a vampire movie for adults. Let me go on the record, this vampire thing has been so overdone the past few years it's nauseating. But, this is so very different on so many levels it works well. Should be noted too, there is much violence in this movie. But it's Tim Burton violence if you know what I mean. It's walks the line between real violence and fantasy violence.
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. Original to say the least, and it gets big points there. The guilty pleasure thriller of this or any summer.
Monday, June 18, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Rock Of Ages
A boatload of 1980's rock and toll anthems has been resurrected in this weeks Rock Of Ages, new at the box office.
This is Hollywood's latest gift to us with a huge cast, and a bigger musical soundtrack. ROA is the fictional story of a legendary rock nightclub in Los Angeles that is on the brink of being closed down by the new mayor, and his activist wife for the sake of re-election. It's also the story of young love as two young people transplanted to the big city with big dreams find they are not actually looking for fame, but for each other. And it's the story of an aging Rock-n-roll legend trying to reinvent himself as something new, as rock music prepares to leave him and/or the rest of us behind.
It's all told basically through music. It's very Glee-esque. ROA is loaded with big production numbers featuring some of the really huge songs and power ballads of the 1980's from some of your favorite hair, and non-hair bands. The music is all redone, rearranged and sung by our cast of stars that include Julianne Hough, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti, Russel Brand, Mary J. Blige, Tom cruise and others. And much of the music is done extremely well, and is really the star of the show.
There is a ton of music in this movie and it's a good thing, because the incredibly boring and terrible acting that takes place between numbers is really compromising. The wriint here is nightmareish. Blige should never be allowed to utter another acting line for all time. But she sings well. Hough does a real nice job looking wholesome, singing a ton on many different styles of songs. She is a breath of fresh air. Cruise is perfectly cast as the aging, and eccentric rocker, Stacee Jaxx. He looks the part, and does a real nice job with a very limiting role. But Cruise is does what he does. He does a lot with a little, and this time it works.
It is good to hear some of this music again, and some of it has been spun into medleys, and new arrangements. And even though the anthems are 30 ish years old, they don't' sound so in this movie. That was the big challenge. Make the music sound new, but not to make it so fresh that it's too far away from its original form. Many of your favorites are showcased here from say 1980 to 1990, and the music for the most part works, and is fun.
But over all as good of a time as the music is, the rest of this is simply below average. You may find yourself squirming during some of the tedious acting scenes, waiting for the next song. The story is what it is, part Dirty Dancing, part Footloose, part Glee, part rock opera. But if you want to relive the 80's and go back in time to your youth, than ROA is your ticket. There is some fun here.
Rock Of Ages. Music good. The rest - not so much.
This is Hollywood's latest gift to us with a huge cast, and a bigger musical soundtrack. ROA is the fictional story of a legendary rock nightclub in Los Angeles that is on the brink of being closed down by the new mayor, and his activist wife for the sake of re-election. It's also the story of young love as two young people transplanted to the big city with big dreams find they are not actually looking for fame, but for each other. And it's the story of an aging Rock-n-roll legend trying to reinvent himself as something new, as rock music prepares to leave him and/or the rest of us behind.
It's all told basically through music. It's very Glee-esque. ROA is loaded with big production numbers featuring some of the really huge songs and power ballads of the 1980's from some of your favorite hair, and non-hair bands. The music is all redone, rearranged and sung by our cast of stars that include Julianne Hough, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti, Russel Brand, Mary J. Blige, Tom cruise and others. And much of the music is done extremely well, and is really the star of the show.
There is a ton of music in this movie and it's a good thing, because the incredibly boring and terrible acting that takes place between numbers is really compromising. The wriint here is nightmareish. Blige should never be allowed to utter another acting line for all time. But she sings well. Hough does a real nice job looking wholesome, singing a ton on many different styles of songs. She is a breath of fresh air. Cruise is perfectly cast as the aging, and eccentric rocker, Stacee Jaxx. He looks the part, and does a real nice job with a very limiting role. But Cruise is does what he does. He does a lot with a little, and this time it works.
It is good to hear some of this music again, and some of it has been spun into medleys, and new arrangements. And even though the anthems are 30 ish years old, they don't' sound so in this movie. That was the big challenge. Make the music sound new, but not to make it so fresh that it's too far away from its original form. Many of your favorites are showcased here from say 1980 to 1990, and the music for the most part works, and is fun.
But over all as good of a time as the music is, the rest of this is simply below average. You may find yourself squirming during some of the tedious acting scenes, waiting for the next song. The story is what it is, part Dirty Dancing, part Footloose, part Glee, part rock opera. But if you want to relive the 80's and go back in time to your youth, than ROA is your ticket. There is some fun here.
Rock Of Ages. Music good. The rest - not so much.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
This week The Mighty Dewsweepers packed up and drove out to Columbia Station in Lorain County and played a track called Mallard Creek. We have played Mallard many times before, as it sits out on Route 82. Mallard Creek is a 36 hole facility, that really is a "facility." Mallard is two courses both par 72, and has a huge area for outings and fun. Lots of room out there.
On this day we played the original course, we have dubbed it, "Ye Old Course." It was here long before the new 18 hole track that circles Ye Old. Ye Old, has no sand at all, but it's totally tree lined virtually on very single hole. What makes this 18 really fun, is that it is northern golf personified. Tree lined, lots of dog-legs, and some of the greens are very large, which can make for some really long putts. There is not much water either. A few creeks, and a couple lakes that can come into play if you are not using your head.
This is a course that is there for scoring, but you must survive a few very tough par 4's. Including number 2, a huge 435 yard par 4, dog-leg left, tree lined where there drive is critical. We call this a "living breathing double bogey", and that is usually my score there, as it was today. Number 4, an up the hill 400 par 4, with a huge green and trees everywhere. Number 10, 425 yard dog-leg right, with trees all the way, lake on the left, huge green. 3 of the four par 3's are long and tough too. The par 5's on the card look simple enough, and number 1 generally is. But try to score in the next 3 of them, including the very tough number 9, number 1 handicap with the water in front and slanted HUGE green.
Joe Red had the week off on vacation, so Beef's nephew B-Roz stepped in. His debut this year on the Dewsweepers Tour. B-Roz finally got a new driver that has really improved his game. He had been playing some silly square thing that looked more like a blacksmiths hammer more than a golf club. He hit the ball well all day, but wrestled on the greens. B-Roz is having mental issues with putting, and that can happen. Most golfers have been there. His putter looks more like a waffle iron than a putter, and right now it's letting him down. But even with some putting struggles, he jammed in a birdie on 14, and posted a pretty nice 85. His game has come a long way in a short time. Plus, on the course he looks like Sergio Garcia.
Tex too had the yips on the greens, and that's unusual for him. His short game too was not his usual strong, and that was too bad. Because his tee and fairway game was pretty good, as Mallard was giving us some roll today with the dry conditions.
Beef suffered from a terrible snowman 8 on the easy par 4, number 6. He in the trees, lost ball, then into the pampas grass, then a three putt, and those really hurt. They hurt not just the card, but your pride. But Beef quickly put the rally cap on and went on a nice run of solid pars and tap in bogeys, including a strong finish over the last 4 holes to survive the round. Some rounds are just a battle, and that was Beef's today. But even with the bad number, he posted a respectable score.
I came out swinging with a birdie on 1, then the double bogey on 2 (of course). Followed by a bogey on 3. But a birdie on 5 and some pars I shot a 38 on the front, with two terrible 3 putts. The back played tougher for me today taking a penalty on 10, a silly duff approach on the easy 11, but I survived and tossed up a 41, for a total of 79.
Mallard also has a real nice clubhouse, and probably the best hot dogs on the Dewsweeper Tour. This course gets a lot of play. It probably gets as much plays as any course in Northeast Ohio. It's usually in pretty good shape for the amount of play it gets. Mallard is also very well run, with tee times a good idea. Pace of play is for the most part very good. The Second 18, or Ye New Course is very different with tons of water and sand, and we'll look at that one later this year.
Always a good time, and fun.
Scores
Wynn - 79
B-Roz - 85
Beef - 88
Tex - 98
On this day we played the original course, we have dubbed it, "Ye Old Course." It was here long before the new 18 hole track that circles Ye Old. Ye Old, has no sand at all, but it's totally tree lined virtually on very single hole. What makes this 18 really fun, is that it is northern golf personified. Tree lined, lots of dog-legs, and some of the greens are very large, which can make for some really long putts. There is not much water either. A few creeks, and a couple lakes that can come into play if you are not using your head.
This is a course that is there for scoring, but you must survive a few very tough par 4's. Including number 2, a huge 435 yard par 4, dog-leg left, tree lined where there drive is critical. We call this a "living breathing double bogey", and that is usually my score there, as it was today. Number 4, an up the hill 400 par 4, with a huge green and trees everywhere. Number 10, 425 yard dog-leg right, with trees all the way, lake on the left, huge green. 3 of the four par 3's are long and tough too. The par 5's on the card look simple enough, and number 1 generally is. But try to score in the next 3 of them, including the very tough number 9, number 1 handicap with the water in front and slanted HUGE green.
Joe Red had the week off on vacation, so Beef's nephew B-Roz stepped in. His debut this year on the Dewsweepers Tour. B-Roz finally got a new driver that has really improved his game. He had been playing some silly square thing that looked more like a blacksmiths hammer more than a golf club. He hit the ball well all day, but wrestled on the greens. B-Roz is having mental issues with putting, and that can happen. Most golfers have been there. His putter looks more like a waffle iron than a putter, and right now it's letting him down. But even with some putting struggles, he jammed in a birdie on 14, and posted a pretty nice 85. His game has come a long way in a short time. Plus, on the course he looks like Sergio Garcia.
Tex too had the yips on the greens, and that's unusual for him. His short game too was not his usual strong, and that was too bad. Because his tee and fairway game was pretty good, as Mallard was giving us some roll today with the dry conditions.
Beef suffered from a terrible snowman 8 on the easy par 4, number 6. He in the trees, lost ball, then into the pampas grass, then a three putt, and those really hurt. They hurt not just the card, but your pride. But Beef quickly put the rally cap on and went on a nice run of solid pars and tap in bogeys, including a strong finish over the last 4 holes to survive the round. Some rounds are just a battle, and that was Beef's today. But even with the bad number, he posted a respectable score.
I came out swinging with a birdie on 1, then the double bogey on 2 (of course). Followed by a bogey on 3. But a birdie on 5 and some pars I shot a 38 on the front, with two terrible 3 putts. The back played tougher for me today taking a penalty on 10, a silly duff approach on the easy 11, but I survived and tossed up a 41, for a total of 79.
Mallard also has a real nice clubhouse, and probably the best hot dogs on the Dewsweeper Tour. This course gets a lot of play. It probably gets as much plays as any course in Northeast Ohio. It's usually in pretty good shape for the amount of play it gets. Mallard is also very well run, with tee times a good idea. Pace of play is for the most part very good. The Second 18, or Ye New Course is very different with tons of water and sand, and we'll look at that one later this year.
Always a good time, and fun.
Scores
Wynn - 79
B-Roz - 85
Beef - 88
Tex - 98
MOVIE REVIEW - That's My Boy
Here comes Adam Sandler again with another completely irritating voice and character in his new comedy, That's My Boy new this week.
That's My Boy is the story of Donny Berger (Sandler). Donnie, while in the 7th grade in 1984 has an sexual affair with a smokin' hot single teacher. They end up having a child together after the affair is discovered in about the worst way possible. The teacher goes to jail for 30 years, and the baby is raised by young Donny. Now flash forward 30 years.
The baby, named Hans Solo, is all grown up and has nothing to do with his father. In fact, he has changed his name, and invented a past that doesn't include Donny. He grows up to be a Wall Street genius, and is on the verge of marrying a really beautiful young woman. But, there's trouble. Donny is on the verge of going to jail by owing the IRS 45 grand in back taxes. He has blown a fortune that came to him by becoming a national hero in the 80's for sleeping with his teacher. But it's all gone now, and he tracks down his son to hopefully collect some money to stay out of jail.
TMB is yet another in a line of really terrible movies made by Sandler. As is normal with his pics, this is heavy, and harsh parody on virtually every group of people there is. Nothing is really sacred. This movie is laden with very harsh language throughout, and is generally distasteful. There are also tons of really gross, but silly scenes designed to turn your stomach. But all of that is certainly nothing new with today's comedies, or Sandler movies. There is just nothing new here. It's all 7 grade locker room humor that will find an audience with those who are new to this kind of movie. You know, what we think is funny is always changing, that's just movie history, and the way society is. But it is really amazing that many will think this is really hilarious. Even if you're laughing here, you know it's really pretty gross.
Sandler is now a 50 year old man. It is incredible to me that he is still willing to do on screen what he does and think it's actually funny. You name it here, he does it. (You don't want to know.) I think it's time to grow up. but it may be too late. Obviously he is not in need of the money so it's somehting else driving him, and that's becomming a bit creepy to me. Don't get me wrong, there are a few guilty pleasure laughs here and with Sandler there is always a shred of heart, but not nearly enough of it. What this is, is simply a hormone charged, puberty humor fest.
This movie is also laced with TONS of cameos to get TV networks to cover it, and to get social media to talk about it. From those on today's pop-culture B-list, to those of yesterday especially from the 1980's. Some are funny. There is also some interesting casting here including Tony Orlando and Vanilla Ice with big parts, and Susan Sarandon who must be broke - to accept a part in this flick in a small role.
This is also product placement central as is always a part of Sandler pics. I am sure it's a great way to get a project financed when maybe the studio may be not nearly as generous for movies like this. There are logo's and placements all over this movie. Pretty cheap.
That's My Boy. A laugh or two here and there, but over all another swing and a miss from Sandler.
That's My Boy is the story of Donny Berger (Sandler). Donnie, while in the 7th grade in 1984 has an sexual affair with a smokin' hot single teacher. They end up having a child together after the affair is discovered in about the worst way possible. The teacher goes to jail for 30 years, and the baby is raised by young Donny. Now flash forward 30 years.
The baby, named Hans Solo, is all grown up and has nothing to do with his father. In fact, he has changed his name, and invented a past that doesn't include Donny. He grows up to be a Wall Street genius, and is on the verge of marrying a really beautiful young woman. But, there's trouble. Donny is on the verge of going to jail by owing the IRS 45 grand in back taxes. He has blown a fortune that came to him by becoming a national hero in the 80's for sleeping with his teacher. But it's all gone now, and he tracks down his son to hopefully collect some money to stay out of jail.
TMB is yet another in a line of really terrible movies made by Sandler. As is normal with his pics, this is heavy, and harsh parody on virtually every group of people there is. Nothing is really sacred. This movie is laden with very harsh language throughout, and is generally distasteful. There are also tons of really gross, but silly scenes designed to turn your stomach. But all of that is certainly nothing new with today's comedies, or Sandler movies. There is just nothing new here. It's all 7 grade locker room humor that will find an audience with those who are new to this kind of movie. You know, what we think is funny is always changing, that's just movie history, and the way society is. But it is really amazing that many will think this is really hilarious. Even if you're laughing here, you know it's really pretty gross.
Sandler is now a 50 year old man. It is incredible to me that he is still willing to do on screen what he does and think it's actually funny. You name it here, he does it. (You don't want to know.) I think it's time to grow up. but it may be too late. Obviously he is not in need of the money so it's somehting else driving him, and that's becomming a bit creepy to me. Don't get me wrong, there are a few guilty pleasure laughs here and with Sandler there is always a shred of heart, but not nearly enough of it. What this is, is simply a hormone charged, puberty humor fest.
This movie is also laced with TONS of cameos to get TV networks to cover it, and to get social media to talk about it. From those on today's pop-culture B-list, to those of yesterday especially from the 1980's. Some are funny. There is also some interesting casting here including Tony Orlando and Vanilla Ice with big parts, and Susan Sarandon who must be broke - to accept a part in this flick in a small role.
This is also product placement central as is always a part of Sandler pics. I am sure it's a great way to get a project financed when maybe the studio may be not nearly as generous for movies like this. There are logo's and placements all over this movie. Pretty cheap.
That's My Boy. A laugh or two here and there, but over all another swing and a miss from Sandler.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - For Greater Glory
This week Andy Garcia returns to the big screen in the limited release, For Greater Glory.
FGG is based on the true story of the War of the Cristero's in the 1920's in Mexico. In short, the new Mexican government at the time installed basically laws that banned religion. This is the story of the citizen uprising against the government, and fighting for not just religious freedom, but for freedom in general.
This movie has a few elements that to me make it interesting right of the bat. First, it's a story that you don't really know, and has not been told on screen before. That scores points right away. Also, there is a real nice, essentially unknown ensemble cast that plays well defined and interesting characters that help tell a real well written script.
Garcia plays a retired Mexican Army General that has been asked to come out of retirement and lead the uprising. He is reluctant as he is married now, and has two young daughters. He is also a non-believer spiritually and that plays into his initial decision. But he then decides that freedom is worth fighting for, even if spirituality is not high on your list. So against all odds, they take on the Mexican army, and try to restore their faith, and right to worship. And will he find his own faith?
This is a movie you have to stick with. The first 40 minutes or so were a bit disjointed, and it was hard to really keep up with all the side plots going on. Also, very heavy spoken accents at times did make it hard to understand some of the characters. But as time goes on the movie gets better and better. This culminates in a very emotional ending, that frankly left me struck.
There is a lot of violence in this movie, and some of this is hard to watch especially if you are devout in your beliefs. Some of what happens here, is really hard to take. But this is handled about as well as it could be, not to water down the story. This is a tough, but good story worth telling filmed beautifully in Mexico. This though is a "movie goers" movie. Because of the subject matter, and the length, this may not be for everyone, thus the limited release. But this is worth it if you truly love movies.
For Greater Glory. Not for everyone for many reasons. But in the end, after all clears, and few hurdles are overcome, this is well done.
FOOTNOTE: Stay and watch the ending credits. Very interesting and informative.
FGG is based on the true story of the War of the Cristero's in the 1920's in Mexico. In short, the new Mexican government at the time installed basically laws that banned religion. This is the story of the citizen uprising against the government, and fighting for not just religious freedom, but for freedom in general.
This movie has a few elements that to me make it interesting right of the bat. First, it's a story that you don't really know, and has not been told on screen before. That scores points right away. Also, there is a real nice, essentially unknown ensemble cast that plays well defined and interesting characters that help tell a real well written script.
Garcia plays a retired Mexican Army General that has been asked to come out of retirement and lead the uprising. He is reluctant as he is married now, and has two young daughters. He is also a non-believer spiritually and that plays into his initial decision. But he then decides that freedom is worth fighting for, even if spirituality is not high on your list. So against all odds, they take on the Mexican army, and try to restore their faith, and right to worship. And will he find his own faith?
This is a movie you have to stick with. The first 40 minutes or so were a bit disjointed, and it was hard to really keep up with all the side plots going on. Also, very heavy spoken accents at times did make it hard to understand some of the characters. But as time goes on the movie gets better and better. This culminates in a very emotional ending, that frankly left me struck.
There is a lot of violence in this movie, and some of this is hard to watch especially if you are devout in your beliefs. Some of what happens here, is really hard to take. But this is handled about as well as it could be, not to water down the story. This is a tough, but good story worth telling filmed beautifully in Mexico. This though is a "movie goers" movie. Because of the subject matter, and the length, this may not be for everyone, thus the limited release. But this is worth it if you truly love movies.
For Greater Glory. Not for everyone for many reasons. But in the end, after all clears, and few hurdles are overcome, this is well done.
FOOTNOTE: Stay and watch the ending credits. Very interesting and informative.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Course Review
This week The Dewsweepers loaded and up and drove to Hudson to take on the very wonderful Ellsworth Meadows Golf Course.
Beef and I have played Ellsworth a couple of times, and Tex hit is with us once before, but it was Joe Red's first trip to this 18 hole course not far from Terex Road in Hudson. Ellsworth Meadows is a real nice course that requires shot making. A lot of this is real position golf. Being the right place is far more important than being long off the tee in most instances. This is not a long course, we played it at about 6,400 yards. Tons of trees, a good amount of sand. Not much water, but plenty of strategic mush-mash too, make Ellsworth a challenging course. Plus, the greens were fantastic. I think they were as true as any greens we have played this year. Fast, but not stupid fast, but very nice. A bit of a bonus, a bunch of deer watched us play much of the morning, and that was nice too.
Joe Red's first trip to EM started off nicely enough carding a nice 43 on the front, and then heated up with a birdie on the tricky par 5, number 11, and it looked like he was the man to beat. But a couple of stumbles down the stretch with a pair of doubles, and an "other" on the not-so-long number 16 par 4, really hurt. Red turned in a 47 on the back for a 90 on the day, but it was a round he played better than he scored. In fact, the short number 16, we all took turns butchering that thing for some reason, so I think that took some of the sting out of it. Sheesh!
Tex got off to a rough start on teh front, but did nicely recover by knocking off 4 strokes on the more difficult back 9. EM has 5 par 3's, but Tex failed to really cash in on those like he had wanted. the par 3's here are all pretty tough. so don't get real excited when you see 5 of them on the card. Tex did putt extremely well, placing only 26 putts on the card. Well done.
Beef was the enigma of the day. Beef opened up par-par, and seemed to be of to the races again. But a tough stretch on holes 4-6, really hurt. A nice birdie though on the really nice par 3, number 7 seemed to steady the ship, and he checked in with a 44 on the front, seemingly poised to make a run on the back. But for Beef, some physical issues cropped up and the bottom fell out down the stretch with 4 double bogie's to finish, and that hurts. But kudos to him, as much as the struggle crept up on him, there was a stretch where his putting kept him competitive, 1 putting 8 out of 9 holes. Nice!
I got off to a bad start taking a terrible double on the opening hole par 5. Came back to birdie number 2, and settled down for a 40 on the front. I went very conservative on the back, hitting a bunch of long irons off the tee on the tough 4's and tried to keep the ball in play and the damage minimal. The back at EM is far more difficult than the front. So it's best to keep the game under control.
EM is a course that is in really great shape, and a course on the rise. Course highlights? Number 3, a beautiful par 4, number 5, a 3 shot par 5, number 8, is the number one handicap and well deserved a brutal par 4. Number 10 a great par 4, and 17, is a terrific par 5, I have never played well, but love to play every time. Maybe next time.
Nice people, a nice facility and just a flat out really good public golf course that is beautiful, and challenging at the same time. This is a tough course, not really a "learners" track. You must be able to strike the ball and have an idea on how to manage a golf course to play well there. If you use your head and manage Ellsworth Meadows well you can play well here. It's a course we loved and would love to play there more often.
Scores
Wynn - 84
Joe Red - 90
Beef - 94
Tex - 100
Beef and I have played Ellsworth a couple of times, and Tex hit is with us once before, but it was Joe Red's first trip to this 18 hole course not far from Terex Road in Hudson. Ellsworth Meadows is a real nice course that requires shot making. A lot of this is real position golf. Being the right place is far more important than being long off the tee in most instances. This is not a long course, we played it at about 6,400 yards. Tons of trees, a good amount of sand. Not much water, but plenty of strategic mush-mash too, make Ellsworth a challenging course. Plus, the greens were fantastic. I think they were as true as any greens we have played this year. Fast, but not stupid fast, but very nice. A bit of a bonus, a bunch of deer watched us play much of the morning, and that was nice too.
Joe Red's first trip to EM started off nicely enough carding a nice 43 on the front, and then heated up with a birdie on the tricky par 5, number 11, and it looked like he was the man to beat. But a couple of stumbles down the stretch with a pair of doubles, and an "other" on the not-so-long number 16 par 4, really hurt. Red turned in a 47 on the back for a 90 on the day, but it was a round he played better than he scored. In fact, the short number 16, we all took turns butchering that thing for some reason, so I think that took some of the sting out of it. Sheesh!
Tex got off to a rough start on teh front, but did nicely recover by knocking off 4 strokes on the more difficult back 9. EM has 5 par 3's, but Tex failed to really cash in on those like he had wanted. the par 3's here are all pretty tough. so don't get real excited when you see 5 of them on the card. Tex did putt extremely well, placing only 26 putts on the card. Well done.
Beef was the enigma of the day. Beef opened up par-par, and seemed to be of to the races again. But a tough stretch on holes 4-6, really hurt. A nice birdie though on the really nice par 3, number 7 seemed to steady the ship, and he checked in with a 44 on the front, seemingly poised to make a run on the back. But for Beef, some physical issues cropped up and the bottom fell out down the stretch with 4 double bogie's to finish, and that hurts. But kudos to him, as much as the struggle crept up on him, there was a stretch where his putting kept him competitive, 1 putting 8 out of 9 holes. Nice!
I got off to a bad start taking a terrible double on the opening hole par 5. Came back to birdie number 2, and settled down for a 40 on the front. I went very conservative on the back, hitting a bunch of long irons off the tee on the tough 4's and tried to keep the ball in play and the damage minimal. The back at EM is far more difficult than the front. So it's best to keep the game under control.
EM is a course that is in really great shape, and a course on the rise. Course highlights? Number 3, a beautiful par 4, number 5, a 3 shot par 5, number 8, is the number one handicap and well deserved a brutal par 4. Number 10 a great par 4, and 17, is a terrific par 5, I have never played well, but love to play every time. Maybe next time.
Nice people, a nice facility and just a flat out really good public golf course that is beautiful, and challenging at the same time. This is a tough course, not really a "learners" track. You must be able to strike the ball and have an idea on how to manage a golf course to play well there. If you use your head and manage Ellsworth Meadows well you can play well here. It's a course we loved and would love to play there more often.
Scores
Wynn - 84
Joe Red - 90
Beef - 94
Tex - 100
Friday, June 8, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Prometheus
Here comes the prequel to Aliens, and this time it's Ridley Scott's, Prometheus new this week. Do me a favor, wake me up when this is over.
Prometheus is he new Sci-Fi thriller that takes place in the year 2089. A group of scientists and crew on a privately owned space craft called the Prometheus go on a mission to find the origins of our species. They believe they have unearthed the secret here on earth, and strike out to another planet a billion miles away to discover hopefully the greatest scientific discovery ever. But of course, they are going to find something drastically different.
I know this has played to some decent reviews, but looking a this honestly, and not through the Sci-fi geek prism. This is just silly. Simply silly. This has a pretty good cast that features Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Idris Elba, all fine actors, and a nice supporting cast too. But this is totally about what Scott can do, and not what he should do as a movie maker.
Obviously our heroes are going to encounter aliens beings, that are not going to appreciate us being here. There's plenty of aliens bursting out of people's chests (again), and plenty of slithery things forcing themselves down open human mouths to go around. Can they survive and get home, and can they save the earth from these awful hating creatures from going to earth to exterminate everyone? And can we squeeze yet a few more side plots in here please? There's not enough going on in this chaotic movie mess.
But, there are some really cool effects here, and there is are some riveting scenes where the content is compelling and somewhat original. This is also a very loud movie, with plenty of loud bangs and irritating music and effects to go around too. But what holds Prometheus back is what is usually the downfall of most average to bad movies, are the holes in the story. This just flies in the face of all logic and reason. These people who have flown a BILLION miles are the dumbest people in the solar system. There are times the story is so silly and decisions made by our characters are so dumb, it's B movie quality.
Example, if you flew a billion miles and landed on a planet, would you automatically think it was OK to take off your space helmet? Would you then be stunned when you became contaminated with an atmosphere you didn't understand? And would you do this in he first 2 minutes there? I'm guessing not. And when this whole series of events started to go HORRIBLY wrong, would you not just go home or at least leave the planet surface? Of course you would. There's just so much insulting content here that it ruins the whole deal. I'm just scratching the surface here.
Prometheus staggers along weaving in a good scene and a bad one, eventually tiring you out and having you look at your watch wondering when your 2 hours is up. Lucky for us, this is not overly long, but makes up for it by being immensly silly, loud, and irritating in the long run. A misused cast, and an overused idea sink this ship. Would have far preferred a new idea and at least some originality as opposed to an old one with new bells and whistles.
Prometheus. "Yawwwwwnnn, is it over yet? Let's go get a pizza."
Prometheus is he new Sci-Fi thriller that takes place in the year 2089. A group of scientists and crew on a privately owned space craft called the Prometheus go on a mission to find the origins of our species. They believe they have unearthed the secret here on earth, and strike out to another planet a billion miles away to discover hopefully the greatest scientific discovery ever. But of course, they are going to find something drastically different.
I know this has played to some decent reviews, but looking a this honestly, and not through the Sci-fi geek prism. This is just silly. Simply silly. This has a pretty good cast that features Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Idris Elba, all fine actors, and a nice supporting cast too. But this is totally about what Scott can do, and not what he should do as a movie maker.
Obviously our heroes are going to encounter aliens beings, that are not going to appreciate us being here. There's plenty of aliens bursting out of people's chests (again), and plenty of slithery things forcing themselves down open human mouths to go around. Can they survive and get home, and can they save the earth from these awful hating creatures from going to earth to exterminate everyone? And can we squeeze yet a few more side plots in here please? There's not enough going on in this chaotic movie mess.
But, there are some really cool effects here, and there is are some riveting scenes where the content is compelling and somewhat original. This is also a very loud movie, with plenty of loud bangs and irritating music and effects to go around too. But what holds Prometheus back is what is usually the downfall of most average to bad movies, are the holes in the story. This just flies in the face of all logic and reason. These people who have flown a BILLION miles are the dumbest people in the solar system. There are times the story is so silly and decisions made by our characters are so dumb, it's B movie quality.
Example, if you flew a billion miles and landed on a planet, would you automatically think it was OK to take off your space helmet? Would you then be stunned when you became contaminated with an atmosphere you didn't understand? And would you do this in he first 2 minutes there? I'm guessing not. And when this whole series of events started to go HORRIBLY wrong, would you not just go home or at least leave the planet surface? Of course you would. There's just so much insulting content here that it ruins the whole deal. I'm just scratching the surface here.
Prometheus staggers along weaving in a good scene and a bad one, eventually tiring you out and having you look at your watch wondering when your 2 hours is up. Lucky for us, this is not overly long, but makes up for it by being immensly silly, loud, and irritating in the long run. A misused cast, and an overused idea sink this ship. Would have far preferred a new idea and at least some originality as opposed to an old one with new bells and whistles.
Prometheus. "Yawwwwwnnn, is it over yet? Let's go get a pizza."
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
This weekend The Dewsweepers saddled up and drove to Brecksville to play another Metroparks course called Seneca. Seneca is a two 18-hole facility that is rich in history, and has a cool story to tell. We played the "B" course this week. We have played the "A" course in the past, and there's not a huge difference. That is just their names. No meaning there.
Seneca was born in 1940 and really had a heyday. In fact, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and other big pro's have played there. The Carling Open Invitational was played at Seneca in 1959 and was won by Dow Finsterwald as Billy Casper, Nicklaus and Palmer did not score well. So the design of this course is very good. Arnold Palmer said, " I played Seneca a lot of times when I was in Cleveland. It's a good, testing golf course." Seneca over the decades then fell into disrepair, and about 2 years ago, the MetroParks took it over, so you would feel that good things are on the way. And they probably are. Refurbishing a golf course is a long process.
In the spirit of being totally honest, let's point this out. At Seneca, virtually every hole is lined to some degree with 1-2 foot tall grass that is being left to grow to create a more natural setting. Also being fair, most of the fairways are generous and there is room to play good golf if you are hitting it straight. There is not much water, and there is some sand but it's really not a factor, but the tall grass is. If you are not a straight hitter, or are inconsistent maybe Sleepy Hollow also a MetroParks course and also in Brecksville would be a better choice. But Sleepy Hollow is not easy either, but has different challenges.
Beef came out of the gates firing darts on the greens, and posted a very tidy 39 on the front. But on the back, he started finding the grass, and had a tough time recovering. Although he did make one of the great punch out shots I have ever seen. About 60 yards, out of the grass, from the trees, over a bunker and on the back of the green on the par 3 number 11. Sheesh! Beef ended up with 88. Not a bad score considering the wind was blowing 30 mph most of the day bringing the grass into play more often than normal.
Tex also found the grass plenty, and the long par 4's gave him trouble. Seneca has a lot of very long, well designed par 4's that are very challenging, and can be tough to score on, including two on the back that play about 450 yards each. Tex putted well and his short game again was good. But length was a problem, especially into the wind. You need to make you hay on the par 5's and 3's at Seneca, the par 4's are the real meat of the course.
Joe Red's son Bryan filled in for Red this week, and hit it well most of the day. He had a couple of big numbers that hurt, but he hit it as straight as any of the four of us. He did provide us with the laugh of the morning, as Beef told him, "To not hit that branch" on a tree ahead of him after a bomb drive on number 17 par 4. 5 seconds later he did, and we all howled, including Bryan. Tough crowd.
I wrestled between good and bad shots all day long. I didn't drive it well most of the day. But my round was lost on the 3 par 5's. I was 7 over on those three holes, including a Snowman 8 on the last one, and that's not normal for me. Two of the three par 5' s are also very long. Those three holes ruined my score as I generally play the 5's well. I gotta do better than that. I too found the grass some, and that didn't help either.
But or course we had a blast, and look forward to next Sunday morning when we tee it up again, this week we'll be in Hudson.
Scores
Beef - 88
Wynn - 92
Bryan - 93
Tex - 100 +
Seneca was born in 1940 and really had a heyday. In fact, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and other big pro's have played there. The Carling Open Invitational was played at Seneca in 1959 and was won by Dow Finsterwald as Billy Casper, Nicklaus and Palmer did not score well. So the design of this course is very good. Arnold Palmer said, " I played Seneca a lot of times when I was in Cleveland. It's a good, testing golf course." Seneca over the decades then fell into disrepair, and about 2 years ago, the MetroParks took it over, so you would feel that good things are on the way. And they probably are. Refurbishing a golf course is a long process.
In the spirit of being totally honest, let's point this out. At Seneca, virtually every hole is lined to some degree with 1-2 foot tall grass that is being left to grow to create a more natural setting. Also being fair, most of the fairways are generous and there is room to play good golf if you are hitting it straight. There is not much water, and there is some sand but it's really not a factor, but the tall grass is. If you are not a straight hitter, or are inconsistent maybe Sleepy Hollow also a MetroParks course and also in Brecksville would be a better choice. But Sleepy Hollow is not easy either, but has different challenges.
Beef came out of the gates firing darts on the greens, and posted a very tidy 39 on the front. But on the back, he started finding the grass, and had a tough time recovering. Although he did make one of the great punch out shots I have ever seen. About 60 yards, out of the grass, from the trees, over a bunker and on the back of the green on the par 3 number 11. Sheesh! Beef ended up with 88. Not a bad score considering the wind was blowing 30 mph most of the day bringing the grass into play more often than normal.
Tex also found the grass plenty, and the long par 4's gave him trouble. Seneca has a lot of very long, well designed par 4's that are very challenging, and can be tough to score on, including two on the back that play about 450 yards each. Tex putted well and his short game again was good. But length was a problem, especially into the wind. You need to make you hay on the par 5's and 3's at Seneca, the par 4's are the real meat of the course.
Joe Red's son Bryan filled in for Red this week, and hit it well most of the day. He had a couple of big numbers that hurt, but he hit it as straight as any of the four of us. He did provide us with the laugh of the morning, as Beef told him, "To not hit that branch" on a tree ahead of him after a bomb drive on number 17 par 4. 5 seconds later he did, and we all howled, including Bryan. Tough crowd.
I wrestled between good and bad shots all day long. I didn't drive it well most of the day. But my round was lost on the 3 par 5's. I was 7 over on those three holes, including a Snowman 8 on the last one, and that's not normal for me. Two of the three par 5' s are also very long. Those three holes ruined my score as I generally play the 5's well. I gotta do better than that. I too found the grass some, and that didn't help either.
But or course we had a blast, and look forward to next Sunday morning when we tee it up again, this week we'll be in Hudson.
Scores
Beef - 88
Wynn - 92
Bryan - 93
Tex - 100 +
Saturday, June 2, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Snow White And The Huntsman
Sometimes you see a movie coming out and you think one of two things. That is either going to be a really cool idea, or be one f the worst ideas ever. Luckily for us, this was a good idea.
This is a different interpretation of the Snow White story, and it is very different than what you've seen before, or even would have thought of. The Evil Queen (Charlize Theron) has spent generations taking over kingdoms using her beauty, and uses her powers of witchcraft to keep her beauty and power. After taking over the kingdom of Snow Whites father, she banishes Snow (Kristen Stewart) to the north tower forever to remain queen. As Snow is he only threat to her rule, and as it would turn out, Snow also holds the key for the queen's eternal youth for which she is so obsessed.
Snow escapes after many years and heads out to find freedom and the help to challenge the queen, and take her spot on the thrown. The Evil Queen then sends out a Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to bring her back from the Black Forest by making him a deal that she will not honor. After finding Snow, he decides he is on the side of the angels and helps her, and of course the 7 Dwarfs that they have encountered. Tons of side plots too, but that in a nutshell this SW&TH.
There is a ton of good here. A fine performance by Theron as the Evil Queen. Although, you may grow weary of her yelling all the time as I did, but you'll get through it. Theron always seems to find good roles, and never plays the same character twice. I totally respect that. She chooses wisely. Hemsworth is fine, and does a lot with a little. But I have to give kudos mostly to Stewart, and I never thought I would say that. The usually immensely average Stewart is well cast here, and gives the best performance of her career by far. And the best part is, you never see Bella from Twilight. You see a different actress, and that's a huge hurdle cleared for her. She is asked to do a few things, and does them all well. None of it great. But all solid.
There are also some fascinating special effects in this movie. How about the dwarfs all being played by non-dwarfs? That was incredible. There is a good ix of action and drama, and the weaving between the two is well done. This is not a fatiguing movie, and that's anohter hurdle conquered too. But one of the great things here, was that this movie doesn't fall in love with effects, but uses them effectively and keeps its focus on story and actors. The supporting cast is wonderful, with Ian MacShane, and Roy Winstone leading the way.
Also, the musical soundtrack is nothing short of soaring, beautiful and used to perfection. Special mention to James Newton Howard, who is Hollywood's best music man, and has been at the controls of some of the finest movie soundtracks for 20 years. Colleen Atwood's amazing costumes too are to be mentioned. In short, these are the two best at what they do, and they really do it right here.
This movie does not make the huge mistake of dragging out the obvious. This checks in at exactly two hours, and that's sufficient here, and a far better decision than the usual 2:30 or more some of these fantasy/action flicks prefer. I do not, many wear out their welcome.
Snow White And The Huntsman. One of the real nice surprises of the year so far.
This is a different interpretation of the Snow White story, and it is very different than what you've seen before, or even would have thought of. The Evil Queen (Charlize Theron) has spent generations taking over kingdoms using her beauty, and uses her powers of witchcraft to keep her beauty and power. After taking over the kingdom of Snow Whites father, she banishes Snow (Kristen Stewart) to the north tower forever to remain queen. As Snow is he only threat to her rule, and as it would turn out, Snow also holds the key for the queen's eternal youth for which she is so obsessed.
Snow escapes after many years and heads out to find freedom and the help to challenge the queen, and take her spot on the thrown. The Evil Queen then sends out a Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to bring her back from the Black Forest by making him a deal that she will not honor. After finding Snow, he decides he is on the side of the angels and helps her, and of course the 7 Dwarfs that they have encountered. Tons of side plots too, but that in a nutshell this SW&TH.
There is a ton of good here. A fine performance by Theron as the Evil Queen. Although, you may grow weary of her yelling all the time as I did, but you'll get through it. Theron always seems to find good roles, and never plays the same character twice. I totally respect that. She chooses wisely. Hemsworth is fine, and does a lot with a little. But I have to give kudos mostly to Stewart, and I never thought I would say that. The usually immensely average Stewart is well cast here, and gives the best performance of her career by far. And the best part is, you never see Bella from Twilight. You see a different actress, and that's a huge hurdle cleared for her. She is asked to do a few things, and does them all well. None of it great. But all solid.
There are also some fascinating special effects in this movie. How about the dwarfs all being played by non-dwarfs? That was incredible. There is a good ix of action and drama, and the weaving between the two is well done. This is not a fatiguing movie, and that's anohter hurdle conquered too. But one of the great things here, was that this movie doesn't fall in love with effects, but uses them effectively and keeps its focus on story and actors. The supporting cast is wonderful, with Ian MacShane, and Roy Winstone leading the way.
Also, the musical soundtrack is nothing short of soaring, beautiful and used to perfection. Special mention to James Newton Howard, who is Hollywood's best music man, and has been at the controls of some of the finest movie soundtracks for 20 years. Colleen Atwood's amazing costumes too are to be mentioned. In short, these are the two best at what they do, and they really do it right here.
This movie does not make the huge mistake of dragging out the obvious. This checks in at exactly two hours, and that's sufficient here, and a far better decision than the usual 2:30 or more some of these fantasy/action flicks prefer. I do not, many wear out their welcome.
Snow White And The Huntsman. One of the real nice surprises of the year so far.
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